Private Switch Automatic Location Identification (PS/ALI)

After June 30, 2000, any entity that installs or operates a private business switch service and provides telecommunications facilities or services to businesses shall assure that the system is connected to the public switched network in a manner that calls to 9-1-1 result in automatic number and location identification (ALI).  For buildings having their own street address and containing workspace of 40,000 square feet or less, location identification shall include the building's street address.  For buildings having their own street address and containing workspace of more than 40,000 square feet, location identification shall include the building's street address and one distinct location identification per 40,000 square feet of workspace. Separate buildings containing workspace of 40,000 square feet or less having a common public street address shall have a distinct location identification for each building in addition to the street address.  Safety conscious businesses and facilities have, in most cases, chosen to provide ALI data based on the telephone location, such as an office or room number, cubicle location, etc.

Compliance with this law is critical for private business switch users.  Consider a large office area and an employee who may be working late.  He suffers a heart attack.  He is able to dial 9-1-1, but soon becomes unconscious.  Without the ability to identify exactly which office or cubicle he is in, rescue works will have to search the entire facility.  This wastes valuable time and could cost him his life.

The Illinois Commerce Commission has provided compiled a document which outlines the law and contains a group of frequently asked questions.  You can view this document HERE.

To view a full copy of Part 726 governing business compliance with the PS/ALI law, please follow go HERE.

Non-profit organizations are covered under Part 727.  A copy of these rules is available HERE.

If you are an AT&T (formerly SBC) Customer, they have a hotline set up for their Locator ID product.  That number is 800/322-3232.

If you require more information, please contact 9-1-1 Coordinator Greg Abbott at 217/333-8000 Extension 4.

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